This might not be the typical expat blog, written by a German expat, living in the Philippines since 1999. It's different. In English and in German. Check it out! Enjoy reading!
Dies mag' nun wirklich nicht der typische Auswandererblog eines Deutschen auf den Philippinen sein. Er soll etwas anders sein. In Englisch und in Deutsch! Viel Spass beim Lesen!
You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?
There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
During the contract signing,Carlos and Chloe were gifted with a massage chair worth P500,000 and lifetime dental services from the celebrity-endorsed dental clinic.
Carlos Yulo and Chloe San Jose (Screengrab from Youtube)
Olympian Carlos Yulo and Chloe San Jose were recently named Urban Smile Dental Clinic ambassadors.
Carlos and Chloe were welcomed to the Urban Smiles family by Dr. Ralph Figueroa, President of Urban Smile Dental Clinic, and Ruel Apostol, CEO of Urban Smiles Dental Clinic, during ceremonies held at Festival Mall in Alabang.
During the contract signing, Carlos and Chloe were gifted with a massage chair worth P500,000 and lifetime dental services from the celebrity-endorsed dental clinic.
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From left: Dr. Ralph Figueroa, President of Urban Smiles Dental Clinic; Chloe San Jose, Olympian Carlos Yulo, and Ruel Apostol, CEO, Urban Smiles. (Instagram)
"Nagpapasalamat talaga ako sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa aming mga atleta. Salamat sa lahat ng inyong dasal at suporta," said Carlos during a short speech after the contract signing. "Nagpapasalamat din ako at nakitaan ninyo ako ng inspiration para mag inspire, mangarap, at nagpapangiti sa ating mga kabataan."
Dr. Ralph said: "As a testament to our commitment, Urban Smiles will provide Carlos Yulo and Chloe San Jose with a comprehensive dental care plan for life, ensuring their smiles stay as bright as their future."
He added: "Their commitment to excellence, discipline, and passion mirrors our dedication to providing top-notch dental care and a brighter future for every smile. Together, we’re building not just smiles but legacies!"
Health and Wellness Tourism Congress
Urban Smiles Dental Clinic proudly hosted over 100 international delegates from 32 countries during the International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress, held from Oct. 13 to 15 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bonifacio Global City.
The event highlighted the Philippines' growing reputation as a premier dental destination, with Urban Smiles at the forefront of promoting the country's dental tourism industry.
The congress allowed Urban Smiles to showcase its advanced facilities and innovative technologies to an international audience.
Dr. Ralph noted: "This event is a stepping stone in our vision to elevate the Philippines' status on the global dental tourism map. We are committed to providing top-notch services that rival those offered in other leading dental tourism hubs worldwide."
Ruel Apostol, CEO of Urban Smiles, emphasized the clinic's long-term goal of making the Philippines competitive in global dental tourism.
"We aim to set new standards in dental care while also ensuring that international patients experience the best of Filipino hospitality. This congress allowed us to showcase our dedication to service excellence and patient care."
The successful hosting of the International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress reinforces Urban Smiles Dental Clinic's leadership in dental tourism as it continues to work toward positioning the Philippines as a global hub for high-quality dental services.
"We need to be mindful about how we make things because there’s already so much waste... We practice responsible crafting, ensuring we use discarded materials," co-founder Maan Agsalud said.
Common Room PH’s journey started as a dream. Roma Agsunod and Maan Agsalud’s journey began by showcasing the dolls and plushies they created through their brand, Pop Junk Love. As they moved from one bazaar to the next, they grew their network, forming friendships with other local makers, small business owners, and creatives. They wanted a physical store but knew they couldn’t limit it to showcasing only their dolls. So, they invited their friends to join them in this vision.
Roma Agsunod and Maan Agsalud
“It’s named Common Room because it’s a shared space for different makers,” Maan tells Style Weekend. “If you’re a maker who joins pop-ups and bazaars, opening a shop is one of the milestones you imagine. We wanted to share the idea of having a permanent store with other makers.”
In 2015, they opened Common Room PH in Katipunan, Quezon City. The store featured handmade local goods, eventually becoming a hub for local makers and creatives. Over time, it expanded, bringing Filipino products closer to more people through branches in malls. The Covid-19 pandemic, however, forced them to let go of the Katipunan space to keep the business afloat. But as one door closed, another opened. Last August, in time for Common Room PH’s anniversary, they opened the doors to its Mess Studio inside The Atrium of Makati.
Common Room PH’s Mess Studio fronts Style Weekend's Nov. 1, 2024 digital cover
“This is a very experimental space for us. All our other branches focus on retail, but we’ve long wanted a space like this,” Maan says. “When we saw the opportunity to rent this place, we took a leap. This is a space where we can do a lot of things. Everything we wanted to put in our other branches, we made sure to include here.”
The new, larger branch accommodates more makers and strengthens their mission of creating a community through mindful, creative projects. Outside, a signboard displays words like “magkalat,” “mamili,” “magbasa,” and “magkape” in bold Quiapo font, summarizing the new store’s experience.
Mess Studio's retail area
For the love of all things local
Much like its other branches, the 300-square-meter space features a Retail Area stocked with Filipinomade products. Underneath moody lighting and origami cranes, shelves are filled with handwoven bags, skincare essentials, cups, and more. Hanging on the walls are stickers, accessories, and other anik-anik. A nice corner is set aside for clothing and wearable items.
“The difference is that around 40 to 50 percent of the featured makers here are new,” Maan says. “They haven’t been in any other stores and are new to Common Room. We still have our bestsellers, so it’s a mix of established and new makers.”
A
Craft area
Responsible crafting
The founders’ pride in the new store lies in its Craft Area, where people can get messy, find joy in working with their hands, and unplug. The space features long tables with mismatched secondhand chairs, perfect for creative pursuits. The Craft Area offers nine upcycling projects available with the purchase of a Craft Pass (₱799), which includes tools, materials, and project guides. Alternatively, guests can bring their own projects and access the store’s tools with a Seat Pass (₱499 for five to eight hours or ₱299 for one to four hours). There’s also a kid’s room with books and art materials for families bringing young ones.
Encouraging mindful crafting, Common Room uses only donated scrap materials in its projects, which are contributed by its friends, makers, and patrons.
Common Room Ph's upcycling projects
“As much as possible, all the crafts are upcycled, using plastic bottles, scrap fabrics, and paper… We need to be mindful about how we make things because there’s already so much waste,” Maan explains. “We practice responsible crafting, ensuring we use discarded materials. Guests can finish projects in a day and take them home.”
On weekends, the Craft Area often hosts workshops, seminars, and other activities. Occasionally, Common Room PH also organizes “Craft Tambay,” inviting makers to share their stories and crafts.
Donated books and some reading materials from the founders' own collection are on display
Read through the pages
A new feature in the store is its Community Library. Visitors can lounge, read books, and find inspiration from reading materials in the founders’ collection and donations. Currently, the books are for in-store enjoyment, though the lounge area offers books and zines for sale from local publishers and self-published authors.
Community wall
Building a community
As a collaborative space for artists and makers in the Philippines, Common Room PH supports its makers’ and other organizations’ projects. Its Community Wall features posters of their upcoming events.
Mango Sago and Tapa Pandesal
Eats and sips
Rounding out the experience at Common Room PH’s Mess Studio is a café and snack bar. While working on crafts or reading in the lounge, visitors can enjoy nostalgic treats and drinks. The café menu includes merienda treats like Tuna Pandesal (₱160), Kesong Puti Pandesal (₱170), and Longanissa Pandesal (₱180). Customers can pair these with mango blends, ginger-calamansi drink, hot chocolate, or coffee brews in partnership with Convenience Coffeehouse. Must-try items include Tapa Pandesal, a twist on tapsilog, and the crowd-favorite Mango Sago (₱170).
Common Room PH's Mess Studio facade
#StyleWeekend experience
There’s much to explore in the Mess Studio and its surrounding areas during the weekend. Maan recommends starting with a stroll around Ayala Triangle Gardens or The Atrium for photo-taking and finding inspiration. Visitors can then enjoy crafting, reading, and a coffee break at the Mess Studio before wrapping up the experience with a Chinese meal at Tien Tien Hotpot Restaurant inside The Atrium.
Common Room PH’s Mess Studio is located at The Atrium of Makati. Its other branches are at UP Town Center, Rockwell, Alabang Town Center, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
There's no stopping model, actress, singer, and beauty queen Catriona Gray from helping the poor young people of Tondo, Manila.
This is as the former Miss Universe announced the holding of Catriona Gray's Legacy Ball at the City of Dreams Manila ballroom in Parañaque City to benefit Young Focus Philippines on Nov. 22.
Guests and donors will attend the fundraising event, which will be filled with music, fashion, and purpose.
The event will be hosted in partnership with City of Dreams Manila, Nobu, and DreamPlay. It will also be co-presented by Sailun Tires, Belo Medical Group, Uma Nota, Cetaphil, Urban Smiles, Jhaena Jewels, and Strokes Beauty. Tancinco, Mangco and Associates Law Office will be a major sponsor.
Young Focus is a non-governmental organization that supports children and their families in the Smokey Mountain area of Tondo.
The organization believes in the power of education to overcome poverty, which is why it enrolls children and young adults in school. Young Focus began in Smokey Mountain with 225 beneficiaries in 2008.
Young Focus now has a total of 936 beneficiaries. Catriona has promoted the organization and its advocacy since winning the Miss Universe title in 2018.
Catriona will also auction off select fashion pieces she has worn over the years during the event to raise more funds. She has been planning the auction since 2020, but the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic has put this initiative on hold.
During a press conference at City of Dreams, Catriona talked about her big vision for Young Focus.
"The big vision is to reach more kids. There will always be a need for education. It's not about what we want to have, but it's following through on how we're helping in the long term," Catriona said in continuing her support for the private group.
Catriona added: "The problem with education is not a quick fix. It's not handing out meals to feed the empty stomach. It's something that takes years to complete. To see the big picture form takes a long time and a lot of resources. So it's a long-term vision. I'm someone here for the long term, and I hope my dedication to this cause over the years can encourage other people to see the long-term benefits."
The Filipino-Australian beauty queen answered on the possible target funds for the event: "As much as possible." She also hopes the legacy ball will become an annual event to support Young Focus.
Jeffrey Vadillo, Vice President of Cornerstone Entertainment, expressed support for the cause of Carione for Young Focus.
"This event has been Catriona’s dream for years, and we’re happy to see it come together. We’re glad to see more brands wanting to join us in this effort. Let’s make a positive impact together!" said Jeff.
Catriona Gray's Legacy Ball is organized by Cornerstone Entertainment, the beauty queen's talent management agency.
Founded by Erickson Raymundo in 2005, Cornerstone Entertainment is a premier Filipino multimedia entertainment agency continuously pushing the envelope in talent management, music, concerts, events, film, and television to provide the best content for Filipinos and beyond.
First time
In May 2016, Catriona and her mother visited Young Focus for the first time. This experience inspired Catriona’s advocacy work as she entered the world of beauty pageantry.
She was determined to use this platform to raise awareness about important issues, particularly the significance of education for the urban poor.
Since then, Catriona has raised funds and raised awareness for Young Focus by organizing concerts both in the Philippines and abroad. After winning Miss World Philippines in 2016 and placing in the Top 5 internationally, Catriona chose to compete in Miss Universe 2018.
During the Miss Universe competition, she became more vocal about supporting Young Focus and the children from the Smokey Mountain area. This brought positive publicity to Tondo and helped enhance public respect for the families living there.
On Dec. 17, 2018, Catriona won the Miss Universe title. The media attention surrounding her advocacy work for Young Focus increased significantly. This led to numerous interviews and television appearances for both staff and students.
Everyone was curious about Young Focus, what it did, and its thoughts on Catriona's victory. Catriona placed both Young Focus and the people of Tondo in a highly positive spotlight.
Young Focus transformed from a little-known non-governmental organization to the most talked-about organization in the Philippines! The year 2018 concluded with a spectacular finale.
Young Focus Philippines
Young Focus has been supporting children and their families in the Smokey Mountain area of Tondo, Manila, since 2008. They began their work with 225 beneficiaries that year. As of the current school year, 2023/2024, Young Focus serves 936 beneficiaries.
The group believes education is the most effective tool for overcoming poverty among children and young adults. The organization enrolls students, ranging from elementary school age to college, in government education programs. In addition to these programs, Young Focus provides extra tutoring, life skills training, personal coaching, and social support.
Children who have dropped out of school can join our catch-up education programs and then re-enroll in school. Young Focus also offers a preschool for children aged 3 and 4. Young Focus supports the parents throughout the child's education by providing teaching and coaching programs.
Young Focus aims to enhance young people's mental, physical, and social well-being in disadvantaged communities through education, healthcare, and personal support.
It allows poor children and young people to grow intellectually, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually through education and personal coaching.
Young Focus aims to help young people discover and develop their hidden talents and gifts, enabling them to break free from the cycle of poverty.
The organization provides a brighter future for children from low-income families in the Philippines. Young Focus works directly with children in their environments to maximize their impact.
Programs
The programs of Young Focus are customized for specific needs, enabling children to develop intellectually, creatively, spiritually, and socially.
It enrolls children from preschool to college in government education, providing extra tutorials, life skills training, personal coaching, and social support.
Children who have dropped out of school can join our ‘catch-up’ education programs and then enroll (again) in school.
Throughout the child’s education, Young Focus supports the parents, too, by providing teaching and coaching programs.
The appeal of being "simple" enticed Bianca to accept her latest endorsement for Pina Beauty.
Bianca Umali
Even though she's only 24, Sparkle artist Bianca Umali has figured it all out. This is evident when you hear her speak about dealing with criticism and dispelling other people's preconceived notions about her.
Having grown up in show business early on, Bianca revealed that she has learned to take negative comments in stride.
"Naging malinaw sa akin ever since na you can never please everyone. At kahit na anong perfect mo, kahit pa anong polido mo o galing mo sa lahat ng ginagawa mo, meron at meron silang masasabi tungkol sa iyo," she pondered.
(You can never please everyone - no matter how perfect you are at what you do, people will always have something to say about you.)
The Genz Z actress noted that getting older has given her a different perspective, especially when dealing with negative things.
"Regardless if maganda o hindi maganda ang sabihin tungkol sa akin ng mga tao, I respect that because opinion nila yun, just as much as they should respect my opinion as a person as well," she reasoned out.
(Whether people have good or bad things to say about me, I respect that because it's their opinion.)
Bianca observed that she's often misunderstood because she's an introvert and her strong mestiza features make her look like a snob. But being self-aware, she has learned to turn these negatives into her own superpower.
Sparkle artist Bianca Umali (second from right) with officers of Fcoy 15 Trading Corp., the makers of Pina Glow soap and lotion
"A lot of people tell me that I have a strong presence but I actually see that now as a superpower. I tell myself: okay, when you walk into a room, people may feel you're too strong but let them know you're not. Ikaw yung mag-approach, bumati ka, make the most out of it and make them know you all the more. Kasi yun yung masarap. Pag narinig nila na hindi ka pala masungit, masarap ka pala kausap, ganyan ka pala bilang tao. It feels more fulfilling."
If Bianca acts and thinks more mature than her years, blame it on the fact that she was orphaned early. Being raised as a young girl by her grandmother, Vicky taught Bianca the value of simplicity.
The appeal of being "simple" enticed Bianca to accept her latest endorsement for Pina Beauty. This all-Filipino skincare brand makes its unique soap and lotion infused with watermelon.
"I was never a fan of many steps (in skincare) and always go for what is expensive because we trust that the name is what we pay for. Because of how my lola raised me, I'm very mindful, especially regarding budgeting. But at the same time, we want to take care of ourselves. Brands like Pina stand for what a Filipina truly is. Being a beautiful Filipina doesn't have to take so much hard work. It's not just a dream, we can achieve it," Bianca stressed.
It also helped that Bianca aligned herself with Pina's advocacy to espouse the welfare of Filipino soldiers. "I know who I am; I know what I stand for and believe in. I will endorse brands that I am confident align with things and my values," she stated.
Aside from her beautiful face, people can't help but admire Bianca's toned body now. She's doing this as part of the bigger picture because her mother died when she was only 5, followed by her father when she turned 10.
"I want to take extra care of my body so that when I have kids, I will be able to live longer and make more memories with them," she intoned.
Bianca credits her boyfriend of seven years, fellow actor Ruru Madrid, as a "big factor" in her "motivation" to be fit.
"We work out together, and it means so much that we live a healthy lifestyle together," she pointed out.
She added that she wants to be an excellent example to her followers and fans.
"I want to share with the new generation that taking care of ourselves is important. It may be hard at first, but when you feel the change and understand what benefits you get from working out, from knowing which products are for you and prioritizing self-care, you will be happier. You will live your best life," Bianca stated.
IT’S the call Christ addresses to us when he told his disciples: “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Lk 14,12-14)
True generosity is attained when we completely gratuitously give ourselves to others, just like God who gives himself to us completely gratuitously. Never mind if our generosity is not reciprocated, which is unlikely since when we are generous with others the tendency is also for the others to be generous with us in their own way.
The crucial point in this business of generosity is the gratuitousness of our self-giving. This should be the attitude in our self-giving. It has to be done without counting the cost, without expecting any reward. We should not worry about anything, because God knows everything and gives us everything that we need. And he cannot be outdone in generosity. The more we give of ourselves, the more he will reward us.
We just have to do our self-giving very freely. As Christ himself told his apostles, “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Mt 10,8) And the first one to live by this principle is Christ himself. He gave himself freely to us, including his own life. He did not mind the sacrifices, the insults and mistreatment he underwent.
This is what true love is. It is total self-giving. But the mysterious part of it is that it actually generates more love and self-giving in others. It inspires others to give themselves in the way of true love. That is why true love has its own reward. It has the dynamic of being repaid also with love.
We should always be encouraged to give ourselves to others gratuitously without strings attached, without conditions. Even if instead of being reciprocated properly and requited, our love is misunderstood and rejected, we just have to go on loving. The only reason for loving is because that is what true love is. It is this love that is the real essence of God, of whom we are his image and likeness.
This truth of our faith about gratuitous generosity in our self-giving is also amply dramatized in that lesson Christ gave regarding the unprofitable servant. (cfr Lk 17,7-10) “When you have done all you have been commanded,” Christ said, “say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what we were obliged to do.’”
Loving and serving cannot and should not be quantified in terms of cost and reward. It is above all these considerations. It’s a purely spiritual operation that should not be spoiled by giving it some material and temporal value. It’s where we can approximate, keep and build up that dignity of being the image and likeness of God and adopted children of his. It’s how we become God-like.
This is how God serves and gives himself to us, with complete gratuitousness. He even goes all the way of still loving and serving us even if we do not reciprocate his love properly. This is how we should serve and give ourselves to others also!
Death is part of the human condition; no one can escape it; it is “the great leveler” (Homer in The Odyssey). It respects no one, whatever his/her gender, race, age, etc. is. The departure of loved ones always brings the pain of loss, creating some kind of void within us. The more memorable or precious the memories are, the more challenging it is to accept the loss. But, as it is also often being said, time heals and with life moving forward with its new experiences, that pain or grief slowly fades away.
Still, the departed are never forgotten. They might have disappeared, but their memories are kept alive in our hearts.
Our faith tells us that there is a resurrection from the dead that has its source in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus himself.
Hence, death is not the end of everything; in fact, it is a bridge that leads us to a new and fuller form of life, a life that does not end, in a world that does not know tears.
First Reading • Wis 3:1-9 [or 2 Mc 12:43-46]
The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; they shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever.
Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.
Gospel • John 6:37-40 [or 14:1-6]
Jesus said to the crowds: “Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me.
And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
Marcos ordered that the National Flag be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Nov. 4 on all government buildings and installations throughout the Philippines and abroad.
As of Oct. 30, 2024, Typhoon Kristine affected a total of 1,788,630 families or 7,033,922 individuals. It likewise caused 139 casualties nationwide.
President Marcos has declared Monday, Nov. 4, as a Day of National Mourning for the victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine which ravaged several parts of the country last month.
MOURNING THE LOSS — Families of landslide victims due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Talisay, Batangas pay their last respect to their deceased loved ones at the Talisay Public Cemetery on Oct. 29, 2024. (Santi San Juan)
In his Proclamation No. 728, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Oct. 30, Marcos said he is one with the entire country in mourning the tragic loss of life caused by the storm.
"The nation deeply mourns this tragic loss and joins the families and loved ones of our departed brothers and sisters in this moment of immense sorrow," he said.
"The onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine caused the loss of lives and tremendous destruction of property, including immense damage to agriculture and critical infrastructure lifelines, as well as the disruption of the means of livelihood, and the normal way of life of the people, especially in the affected areas," he added.
With this, the President has ordered that the National Flag be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Nov. 4 on all government buildings and installations throughout the Philippines and abroad.
"[U]nder the... Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, the Philippine Flag shall be flown at half-mast on all buildings and places where it is displayed as a sign of mourning during tragedies of national significance," he wrote.
Severe Tropical Storm Kristine ravaged several parts of the country from Oct. 21 to 25, bringing torrential rains and violent winds that triggered widespread flooding and landslides and drastically affected the lives of many Filipinos.
Based on a report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as of Oct. 30, 2024, Typhoon Kristine affected a total of 1,788,630 families or 7,033,922 individuals.
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